5 Things to Know About Girls on International Day of the Girl

October 11 is International Day of the Girl — a day that has two meanings. Established by the United Nations in 2011, the day is designed to highlight the accomplishments of girls across the world and promote their empowerment, but also to shine light on the myriad issues and challenges unique to girls. The day uplifts the advancements girls have made in STEM fields, the movements forged by young women, and the young voices speaking up for change, while still acknowledging that we have a long way to go before girls and femmes are afforded the same opportunities, safety, and value that boys are.

In honor of girls everywhere, this is what you need to know about being a girl in the world right now: